Still Time For All-In Move, “Ballhawk”
April 25th, 2025
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles.
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht is proud to be a stick-with-the plan GM; trust the process he’s honed for years and a 2025 draft approach crafted months ago.
But what is that plan?
Licht literally said he likely would have vomited if he hadn’t grabbed wide receiver Emeka Egbuka in last night’s draft. That wasn’t the name on any? bingo cards entering Round 1.
If the Bucs’ signals are accurate, then Round 2 tonight is the time for a ballhawk. Joe saw the look in Todd Bowles’ eyes at the NFL Scouting Combine when Joe asked Bowles point blank to to talk about he wants to transform his defense this offseason. “Ballhawks,” Bowles ranted with great passion.
Well, there aren’t a bunch of forced-turnover machines awaiting any team in Round 3. Now is the time.
In what form will that come? Joe doesn’t know if that’s the Bucs possibly trading up for All-American UCLA inside linebacker Carson Schwesinger, a total Licht kind of guy, or if that’s long aggressive man cornerback Azareye’h Thomas out out of Florida State, among others.
Joe still wonders what the Bucs brass is thinking about when it comes to available Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Don’t think he’s an upgrade to Jamel Dean and more of a ballhawk?
April 25th, 2025 at 11:25 am
Any good interior DL left?
April 25th, 2025 at 11:27 am
Steven, the DT from Toledo is a name to watch…
Darius Alexander I think??
April 25th, 2025 at 11:30 am
Use a pick from next year to move up along with our 5 & 7
April 25th, 2025 at 11:31 am
After taking E2, I hope (I trust the process) that they have a plan. I can not sit through another season with Jamel Dean playing 15 yards off, especially when the moves made by our division rivals seemingly made a lot more sense for their needs (I don’t know if the Aints are even trying to succeed)
April 25th, 2025 at 11:31 am
I reeeeeealy want a trade up tonight @TBBF
April 25th, 2025 at 11:36 am
Hendrickson
April 25th, 2025 at 11:37 am
Watts or Revel?
April 25th, 2025 at 11:38 am
baker – saints might end up with Sanders i wonder how he’d do against us 🙂
April 25th, 2025 at 11:38 am
steve – mosdef
April 25th, 2025 at 11:40 am
Benjamin Morrison
April 25th, 2025 at 11:43 am
Would love for the Bucs to come out of Round 2 with either Donovan Ezeiruaku, Trey Amos, or Carson Schwesinger. Might have to trade up for one of those guys though
April 25th, 2025 at 11:43 am
Here’s what I’m thinking.
I think yesterday’s pick proves the mentality inside One Buc is win now, still with an eye for the future, of course, but win now.
Egbuka gives us an over powered offense similar to the Super Bowl year. Bucs should be averaging 33+ points.
If the mentality is win now, then we have to cover our main hole on defense. And what would that hole be?
IMO it’s ILB. Dean can still somewhat hold his own as CB2. We can play Tykee at Safety and put Izien at Nickel (never understood why he didn’t play more last year). We have Reddick, Diaby and Braswell at EDGE.
But at Mike? Dennis hasn’t proven he can stay healthy. This is likely Lavonte’s last year.
Give me Carson Schwesinger out of UCLA and I’ll be at peace. He can cover and play day 1 while still learning from David.
I don’t think an EDGE now will contribute to Win Now. I think a CB is probably not the right pick because without someone covering the middle, we’ll get burnt by TEs.
Maybe a CB in the 3rd and a developmental EDGE rusher in the 4th.
April 25th, 2025 at 11:44 am
eh, I might be Naive, but I’m not worried about him. I saw him play live @ Nebraska, and while RayJay is nothing like that in terms of atmosphere, he was just suffocated by the defense and bailed out by Hunter the rest of the season.
I don’t see much difference between him and Rattler other than name.
April 25th, 2025 at 11:45 am
IF THE SAINTS GET SHEDEUR AND HE TORCHES US FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS….
I WILL NEVER FORGIVE JASON LIGHT.
SANDERS IS BETTER THAN BAKER MAYFIELD!!!
HES AN UPGRADE AT QB1
WTF ARE WE DOING!!!
ALL THE TICKET SALES, JERSEY SALES, SUPERBOWL APPEARANCES.
WE THREW IT ALL DOWN THE DRAIN FOR A WIDE RECEIVER!!
April 25th, 2025 at 11:46 am
SANDERS IS BETTER THAN BAKER MAYFIELD!!!
This is hilarious
April 25th, 2025 at 11:47 am
Sanders is not an upgrade lol. He’s marginal at best.
Who did he beat at CU? NADA!
April 25th, 2025 at 11:48 am
I didn’t love the pick when it happened yesterday.
BUT. I wanted Campbell, Schwesinger, Green or Ezeiruaku.
Pretty telling that none of those guys got picked in the next 10 spots. 3 are actually still available.
We’re likely be in position to take one of the following:
Schwesinger
Mike Green
Donovan Ezeiruaku
Shavon Revel
Az Thomas
Alexander the DL
Will Johnson
Benjamin Morrison
Trey Amos
Darian Porter
Knight Jr
Femi Oladejo
Trust JL
April 25th, 2025 at 11:51 am
I’d be ok with Licht taking another offensive guy today. If the quick RB from Ohio state is there, I’d be open to trading Rachaad for a 3rd or 4th and drafting him. Lol. Why not add another headache to
Compliment Bucky? We could benefit if the upgrade presents itself. Maybe TE too? Would be wild and Lol glorious
April 25th, 2025 at 11:51 am
100% agree, I was also confused/disappointed. I do think we’ll maybe get one of them, but we could’ve had 2, that’s what is getting me right now. 2 gaps somewhat filled on defense, we’ve hit on mcmillan in the later rounds and Godwin before that, just felt like a reach for, yes, an elite reciever, but our WR4.
April 25th, 2025 at 11:52 am
I feel like there is a guy that JL would trade up maybe 5 or 6 spots to get if he’s still there. Let’s see how it shakes out.
April 25th, 2025 at 11:52 am
WHY ARE WE TREATING BAKER LIKE HE IS BRADY OR PEYTON MANNING.
BACK TO BACK PLAYOFF TURNOVERS TO END THE SEASON.
INT IN DETROIT
FUMBLE AGAINST THE COMMANDERS
COST US BOTH GAMES!
HOW LONG BEFORE WE UPGRADE THE QB POSITION CAUSE I’VE SEEN ENOUGH OF BAKER!!
April 25th, 2025 at 11:55 am
I mean probably when we stop having super bowl aspirations. He produces, was a top 8 QB in the league last season, but OH NO he had a turnover. Yes in a bad spot in the game, but you CAN NOT blame 1 play for a one possession game that we didn’t force a single punt in.
April 25th, 2025 at 11:57 am
Baker got his to the playoffs. He balled out and has earned his role as our starter.
It’s LOL amazing that one would think a rookie, who couldn’t beat a PAC12 team could come in, year one, and win the division at best.
Doubt it seven ways to Sunday. He’s toast because he’s not mentally tough nor physically talented enough. Watch TB12 and the raiders pass again!
April 25th, 2025 at 11:57 am
Baker is just not a winner
April 25th, 2025 at 11:58 am
How many pundits (so sick of mock drafts too) and even the Joe(s) suggesting there’s a drop off of 1st round talent and a deep draft for defensive players….
For every first round talent that makes it – there’s a Hardy Nickerson.
I trust Jason to find us the talent in the next rounds.
So I’m happy with the pick. Touchdowns put butts in the seats!
April 25th, 2025 at 11:58 am
Jarrett, stop trolling already. Obviously that’s what you’re doing. But here’s a little nugget for you. If you’ve seen enough of Baker then you might as well start becoming a fan of another team because he’s going to be here for a while. Just trying to help.
April 25th, 2025 at 12:01 pm
Schwesinger/Alfred Collins….Nohl Williams, hopefully will be there with no trade ups needed.
April 25th, 2025 at 12:03 pm
Have a feeling that somehow Ramsey will end up with us for next season.
April 25th, 2025 at 12:05 pm
This jarrett has to be a troll. All caps, calling for Shadeur Sanders? LOL!
A brain is important. You shouldn’t take it out and play with it, bad things happen to cognition.
April 25th, 2025 at 12:06 pm
Jarrett, in the long and storied history of the NFL only 4 QBs have thrown for 4500 yards and over 40 touchdowns and over 70 percent completion rate. Baker has not had the team to reach a conference championship yet until now. Some say he chokes in the playoffs. In the long and storied history of the NFL Baker Mayfield has the highest QB rating in the playoffs of any QB in history. In 2 years here in playoffs in 2023 (2 games) he threw for 6 touchdowns. More than any other QB in the 2023 playoffs! In the 2024 playoffs he only had one game. Yes he had the highest, by far QB rating of any QB in the 2024 playoffs. 15-18 185 yards and 2 touchdowns. He’s a superstar jarrett and you’re an imbecile. Or Shadow Sanders is a superstar and I’m an imbecile.
April 25th, 2025 at 12:06 pm
There were 5 DT/NTs taken in Rnd 1:
1 – Mason Graham (6’3″ & 296 lbs) – Browns (#5).
2 – Kenneth Grant (6’4″ & 331 lbs) – Dolphins (#13).
3 – Walter Nolen (6’4″ & 296 lbs) – Cardinals (#16).
4 – Derrick Harmon (6’4″ & 313 lbs) – Steelers (#21).
5 – Tyleik Williams (6’3″ & 334 lbs) – Lions (#28).
That took out most of the top DT talent (5 of Walter Football’s Top-8 picks). Just about all the rest are run-stuffers; valuable, but we’re already good at that (IMO we needed the big interior DLine pass rusher to spell Vea). Let’s focus on ILB, CB & Safety the rest of the way.
April 25th, 2025 at 12:08 pm
Arguing with Baker haters is like arguing with an incomprehensible drunk on a subway or bus…its short term and not worth it
April 25th, 2025 at 12:08 pm
PS – if Jason trades for Jalen Ramsey, I’ll have a drink to celebrate. But if he doesn’t I’ll have two drinks to celebrate.
April 25th, 2025 at 12:09 pm
Should’ve take Donovan from.bc. stupid move. We better trade up or he’s probably going to carolina snd going to haunt us everywhere
April 25th, 2025 at 12:12 pm
Dom Says:
April 25th, 2025 at 11:43 am
Would love for the Bucs to come out of Round 2 with either Donovan Ezeiruaku, Trey Amos, or Carson Schwesinger. Might have to trade up for one of those guys though
By “one,” you mean “all.” As I’ve said on other threads, I understand the desire to start thinking of the future at WR, but doing so has put a crimp on the needs of the now.
April 25th, 2025 at 12:13 pm
Baker Bowl.
Carolina Panthers picked 8th.
So they should have been able to get a top football player.
They got Tetairoa McMillan. Solid value but is it great value? Not so much.
April 25th, 2025 at 12:14 pm
Aqualung Says:
This jarrett has to be a troll. All caps, calling for Shadeur Sanders? LOL!
A brain is important. You shouldn’t take it out and play with it, bad things happen to cognition.
Love this comment!
April 25th, 2025 at 12:14 pm
It seems like a good chance a solid DE/OLB/DT will be there in R2 still more so than a CB or S of value but we will see.
Either way defense all the way man lol. I’d be fine with a move up for Donavon Ezeikaru (maybe send a future 3rd or 4th or something to go up a bit), and then drafting CB/S/ILB depth in R3-R5.
April 25th, 2025 at 12:18 pm
Yeah @geno bad take by me, filled holes but didn’t draft necessarily great though.
Regardless, I’m worried about how we match up against Panthers WRs still and Atlanta taking 2 DL guys isn’t gonna make it easy. Keep in mind these were close games last season and I think they’ve gotten better in the draft (it’s been 1 round and none of these guys have played a snap in the NFL, I realize I need to calm myself down) than we did in my opinion.
April 25th, 2025 at 12:20 pm
Not to rain on anyone’s parade – but isn’t it the Todd Bowles 20 yard soft zone coverage package that actually PREVENTS turnovers?
Geeze – when you let the opposing team throw 5-10 yards in front of your coverage all day – what good is a ball hawk.
April 25th, 2025 at 12:26 pm
I just LOVE how Bowles warned us he will not pass a BPA on offense and he stuck to his guns.
I liked the potential of Goldens speed, but Egbuka is the better all around player.
The only thing that slowed him down over the past 3 seasons is an ankle injury.
Plus, Bowles said he figured out the defense.
We will still add 3 valuable defensive positions.
Our offense is now #1 no question.
April 25th, 2025 at 12:27 pm
**Thor Griffith: Hammer Time, Every Time**
This isn’t just a potential steal—it’s grand larceny. Thor Griffith didn’t slide in the draft; he *crashed* down like thunder from Asgard. The Ivy League may have kept him under the radar, but NFL teams are about to learn a hard lesson: underestimate the storm at your own risk.
**Measurables:**
– **Height/Weight:** 6’2″, 320 lbs
– **Wingspan:** 79″
– **Bench Press:** 42 reps at 225 lbs (highest among all defensive tackles)
– **Squat:** 500 lbs for 45 reps
– **40-Yard Dash:** 4.96 seconds
– **10-Yard Split:** 1.69 seconds
– **Vertical Jump:** 33 inches
– **Broad Jump:** 9’2”
Those aren’t just impressive numbers for a defensive tackle—they’re nearly unprecedented. Griffith is built like a boulder with the explosiveness of a linebacker. Think Vince Wilfork’s size with Khalil Mack’s motor. Offensive linemen don’t block him—they *orbit* him.
So why wasn’t he a household name on Saturdays? The pandemic and N.I.L. era played a role. Ivy League restrictions meant no fall football during COVID. He transferred to Louisville but saw limited reps in a crowded rotation, unable to fully showcase his talents in a year loaded with interior line depth.
Still, the tape tells a different story. Griffith consistently overpowered interior linemen, shedding blocks and closing on ball carriers with surprising speed. He didn’t just move weights—he moved the line of scrimmage. And in many ways, he carried the programs he played for.
A Vince Wilfork comparison isn’t far-fetched. Low center of gravity, explosive first step, requires double teams—and often defeats them. But Griffith adds something more: hunger. Whether he goes undrafted or hears his name called late, that chip on his shoulder is real. And that kind of fire? It doesn’t just make rosters—it wrecks game plans.
April 25th, 2025 at 12:29 pm
“All in move”? They just drafted a guy thats going to be a backup slot reciever for this roster. How much more “all in” does it get?
The Broncos had to have almost fallen over in their chairs laughing when they saw the pick and had Jahdae Barron fall into their lap.
April 25th, 2025 at 12:29 pm
A hard no on Benjamin Morrison. August 2024 shoulder surgery and October 2024 hip surgery.
ILB’s Demetrius Knight and Carson Schwesinger have early second round grades so Licht might have to trade up to get one.
April 25th, 2025 at 12:40 pm
Defense Rules, I’m disheartened about your opinion on Beasts. Please review your opinion on that subject. Yes I know I’m pretty happy with our pick but not at the expense of the Beast that we know that we need. He doesn’t have to rush the passer as much as toss guards and centers into QBs. But DR please review this and give us something more than “we’re effed”.
April 25th, 2025 at 12:44 pm
Trade up and get Schwesinger. Our lb’s were trash last year. Lavonte was good but not as good as past years. Understandable for his age and length of his career. Schwesinger is perfect for this defense.
April 25th, 2025 at 12:44 pm
Second, third, and fourth rounds is where our team has found gold. Just trust what they are doing.
April 25th, 2025 at 12:44 pm
I meant a 500 lb max—got ahead of myself there, was writing too fast!
April 25th, 2025 at 12:46 pm
Kenton Smith – don’t forget the Mike Leach derivative. Tossing dwarves into quarterbacks!
April 25th, 2025 at 1:02 pm
Cam Scatatbooboo in round two!! Will add to the RB room in case one goes down!
April 25th, 2025 at 1:10 pm
Quote:
This jarrett has to be a troll. All caps, calling for Shadeur Sanders? LOL!
A brain is important. You shouldn’t take it out and play with it, bad things happen to cognition.
Jarrett’s real name is ‘Deon’… And the reason Shadeur hasn’t been drafted yet is also named ‘Deon’. No one wants to deal with that.
April 25th, 2025 at 1:28 pm
The only player worth a little trade up is Landon Jackson. Az Thomas should be there if the Bucs stant pat at 53.
SEC INT leader and serial separator of footballs and helmets from opponents Andrew Mukuba should be there in the third so there is no need to make any dumb moves.
April 25th, 2025 at 1:30 pm
jarrett Says:
April 25th, 2025 at 11:45 am
You’re dumb. In all caps.
April 25th, 2025 at 1:33 pm
I guess it hasn’t occurred to this dumbass that there are reasons Sanders slid and Jaxson Dart was picked before him.
Not only do we not need a QB, we especially don’t need that one. Blinged out d0u$hbag.
April 25th, 2025 at 1:35 pm
I don’t think Schesinger is a good fit.
X Watts S i from ND n 2nd
C. Bryant CB from Kansas in 3rd
J. Bassa ILB from Oregon in 4th
April 25th, 2025 at 1:36 pm
Ugotrobbed Says:
April 25th, 2025 at 1:02 pm
Nice player, but we have to focus on defensive needs now.
April 25th, 2025 at 1:38 pm
Nohl Williams. CB. Ballhawk.
April 25th, 2025 at 1:45 pm
Thanks FilthyAnimal- I forgot about the other “ballhawk” with “killer instinct” Nohl Williams available in round 3. I like him better than Az Thomas.
April 25th, 2025 at 1:47 pm
cant take a ballhawk next, tonight is punter night.
April 25th, 2025 at 1:55 pm
My previous comment was meant for sarcasm/humor…obviously failed at both!
I do like the RM though!
April 25th, 2025 at 1:57 pm
If some are wanting them to add a RB I would’ve rather of had them draft Omarion Hampton. He would’ve been good with Bucky back there. Especially since there’s been talks that White could be traded.
April 25th, 2025 at 2:11 pm
Jalen Ramsey has been a never satisfied, locker room disruptor everywhere he’s been. Concerned it screws up our all-in, team first attitude
April 25th, 2025 at 2:12 pm
jarrett Says:
April 25th, 2025 at 11:45 am
IF THE SAINTS GET SHEDEUR AND HE TORCHES US FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS….
LOL you FOOL, 31 other teams passed on him and really don’t expect him to go off the board real early tonight. But I guess you are smarter than the 32 GM’s, Scouts and Coaches who are in the NFL.
April 25th, 2025 at 2:16 pm
Having all day to throw wont help this defense. I like the WR pick but goes to show JL can’t draft and hit on an edge even if one was staring him in the face. I think they need to move up for their edge guy Donovan E. They can take a corner in third and 4th rounds.
April 25th, 2025 at 2:28 pm
Emman/Alfred Collins…then Nohl Williams tonight please
April 25th, 2025 at 2:30 pm
HAHAHAHA
I have to laugh at some of the comments about Egbuka and that he won’t play much etc.
I predict Egbuka will play MORE snaps than McMillan this season. McMillan had some solid moments last year but he also had some lackluster games. Egbuka is someone you can use in a lot of other ways and those inside slants, end arounds, and screens are how you move the chains.
April 25th, 2025 at 2:33 pm
You know what makes any Defense better? REST.
What’s often overlooked is that the better an offense is for time it possession, the more rested a Defense is and off the field – not only retaining more energy but also giving more time on the sidelines for them to discuss adjustments. There are many defensive benefits to having a great offense.
Still so much draft to go. I’m sure we’ll come away with a solid ILB & CB and more Edge/DT depth.
April 25th, 2025 at 2:36 pm
Kenton … ‘DR please review this and give us something more than “we’re effed”.’
Uhhh, don’t think I said that ‘we’re effed’ Kenton, or at least I didn’t mean to say that. I would’ve been ecstatic using our #19 pick on Tyleik Williams (preferred Grant, but he was gone by our pick). I think we’ll pick up a DT by Rnd 7, but he won’t be of the quality that we really needed (good run-stuffer though).
My hope now is that we’ll be able to sign a beastly FA who can rotate in with Vea. I mean that’s how we found Suh after-all. We had to pay him a little bit, but he was more than worth it.
April 25th, 2025 at 2:43 pm
Josh … Thor Griffith (6’2″ & 320 lbs) just might be that diamond in the rough we can desperately use, although NFL.com would hardly agree. Their analysis on him is actually humorous …
Overview
A powerhouse interior defensive lineman, Griffith’s low-cut frame and powerful base allow for good balance through contact. He has the ability to get under the blocker’s pads and reestablish the line of scrimmage when he gets into the blocker first. He lacks the mass of a run-plugging nose tackle and he’s a linear mover with below average short-area change of direction. He’s more of a pocket pusher than an edge finder as a pass rusher but his ability to create disruptive snaps will be appealing to even-front teams looking for competition inside.
Strengths
o Thickly muscled frame with a low-cut build.
o Low center of gravity creates leverage and contact-balance advantages.
o Powers into gaps and plays through redirect blocks.
o Leg drive to take finesse guards for a ride inside the pocket.
Weaknesses
o Lacks desired mass and measurables to be a space-eater.
o Shorter arms with limited ability to work quickly around blocks.
o Rushes forward and rarely sniffs out screen-play development.
o Pass rush becomes upright and straight-legged.
So he’s not a space-eater, but he can push the pile. I like him already.
April 25th, 2025 at 3:43 pm
Well… the Bucs are peeved they are not recognized on all the hollering shows and looked down upon by the four-letter. Drafting Deion, Jr. would solve those problems immediately. LOL
April 25th, 2025 at 3:58 pm
Im all about Thor tomorrow if we land Emman and Nohl Williams today
April 25th, 2025 at 4:06 pm
I really think we need to get a DT tonight. First thing. Then a middle linebacker. Second thing. Now it’s time for Defense the remainder of this draft. Anything else would be malpractice.
April 25th, 2025 at 4:19 pm
I’d go Emmanwori in the 2nd, Cobee in the 3rd, Nohl in the 4th, Jeffrey Bassa in the 5th, and Thor in the 7th (since we don’t have a 6th). If we did, I’d take JJ Pegues there. Wish we had more picks for Zah Frazier, Nick Martin, and Fadil Diggs, but hey, you can only work out/get so many picks, lol.
April 25th, 2025 at 5:15 pm
DT, CB, or OLB.
BPA.
I’m good with any pick.
April 25th, 2025 at 7:27 pm
“cho Says:
April 25th, 2025 at 11:43 am
Here’s what I’m thinking.
Give me Carson Schwesinger out of UCLA and I’ll be at peace. He can cover and play day 1 while still learning from David.”
Agree, cho. Carson Swissy (LOL, can’t spell his name) is a pure football player who seems to actually love the game. Hope we get him.